Is a car a necessity?
#1
Is a car a necessity?
It looks like I'll be going out in January to work and reading some posts, it appears a car is a must. I doubt my wage will stretch to that. How good is public transport and are drivers crazy because I'm taking my bicycle?
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 84
Re: Is a car a necessity?
I came out with a group of people, one guy catches the bus and manages as do plenty of locals & Jamaican's. I personally run a scooter to and from work and mostly dodge the biblical rain but then we have a car if it is bad weather as a back up. Coming from England it is very different in that there are few foot paths and walking often involves being in the side of the road with plenty of mad (often drunk at the weekends) drivers. In short, yes you can cope without a car but obviously it can make life difficult too.
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 4,976
Re: Is a car a necessity?
There is public transport, Jamesy, but not down every street. If you're lucky, you can pick up a reasonable basic car for two thousand dollars. My son and his girl-friend both ride scooters - about a thousand bucks each - even in the rain; they feel safe enough on them. I really wouldn't ride a bicycle, in traffic. A definitive answer to your question depends on where your home and your workplace are. Can you tell us that?
#4
Re: Is a car a necessity?
There is public transport, Jamesy, but not down every street. If you're lucky, you can pick up a reasonable basic car for two thousand dollars. My son and his girl-friend both ride scooters - about a thousand bucks each - even in the rain; they feel safe enough on them. I really wouldn't ride a bicycle, in traffic. A definitive answer to your question depends on where your home and your workplace are. Can you tell us that?
#5
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Joined: May 2012
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 4,976
Re: Is a car a necessity?
The roads are excellent, but some of the drivers aren't. There's a cycle-path along some of the West Bay Road, but not all of it, I think. T & D, can you help us out here? I don't use the road much, and don't remember where Dart's cycle path starts.
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 84
Re: Is a car a necessity?
Live by Hurleys so not sure. Didn't even realise there was actually a cycle path. If you can get accommodation within half a mile of work then survival without a car is practical apart from your food shopping - maybe use a bus or taxi then? But you need access to the beach too!
#7
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Joined: May 2012
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 4,976
Re: Is a car a necessity?
The only paths I know of on the whole Island are the one running north from the top of West Bay Road where it goes inland, and the one on what they call "the arterial road" that runs east to Hirst Road. In the Good Old Days cyclists were allowed to ride on the footpaths, where they existed; I think that's forbidden now, although I've never read of anyone getting arrested for doing it!
#8
Re: Is a car a necessity?
Thanx guys. Until my wife has a job, I doubt we can afford a car but if buses are reliable that will help.
Cheers
Cheers
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 84
Re: Is a car a necessity?
Good luck and enjoy guys - is a great place to be. Getting a job is hard here though (skills dependent) but you should definitely both come for the experience
#10
Re: Is a car a necessity?
Hopefully work won't be too hard to find or i won't be there long. Doubt we could manage on just my wage.
#11
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Joined: May 2012
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 4,976
Re: Is a car a necessity?
So, what's the latest, Jamesy?
#13
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,775
Re: Is a car a necessity?
Just a reminder - Dont forget the helmet and good gloves - if you have to accept that you arent going armoured in leather and aramid, hands and head are the parts you really dont want to suffer gravel rash or need skin grafting.
Actually here all the serious bikers get these mesh jackets for offroading - thin nylon netting but with serious pads over elbows etc.
Actually here all the serious bikers get these mesh jackets for offroading - thin nylon netting but with serious pads over elbows etc.
#15
Re: Is a car a necessity?
Have found great accommodation 5 minutes walk from work. Bonus. And it is 10 minutes walk to Smith Barcadere. No need to buy anything just now thankfully.